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THE ULSTER GUARD AT GET- 
TYSBURG ON THE FIRST 
THREE DAYS OF JULY, 1S63. 



\' erses R^ad by the author, 

HENRY ABBEY, 

October 4th, 1888, at the Dedication 
of the Battlefield Monument to the 
Twentieth Regiment of New York 
State Militia, Eightieth New York 
Volunteers. 



RONDOUT. NEW YORK. 

Edition. 1891. 



Second 



THE ULSTER GUARD AT GET- 
TYSBURG ON THE FIRST 
THREE DAYS OF JULY, 1863. 



Verses Read by me author, 

/ 
HENRY ABBEY, 

October 4th, 1888, at the Dedication 
of the Battlefield Monument to the 
Twentieth Regiment of New York 
State Militia, Eightieth New York 
Volunteers. 



RONDOUT. NEW YORK. Second 
Edition. 1891. -* ■~- 



/ ■•^' rOPYPlf 



s-^f; <r' 



Copyright, 1888, by Henry Abbey. 



THE ULSTER GUARD AT GET- 
TYSBURG. 

The First Day. 

HIGH-HEARTED with many success- 
es, and never so strong as then, 

Lee marched into Pennsylvania with his 
hundred thousand men. 

But the Army of the Potomac caught up 
betimes with his van, 

And at Gettysburg fronted invasion val- 
iantly, man for man. 

Then the splendid Eightieth Regiment 

of New York Volunteers, 
Named "The Ulster Guard" for their 

county — may it never lack their peers ! 
Tho' last of the Federal army to strike 

their Virginia tents. 
Were first to arrive at Gettysburg and 

prmmpt4y wage its defense. 



4 The First Day. 

Save that Buford 's cavalry only, had 
come on the day before ; 

And the Ulster Guard, as they double- 
quicked, could hear the far-off roar 

Of the horsemen 's guns, as they thun- 
dered to hold the coveted ground : 

For eagle-eyed general Pleasanton the 
vantage place had found. 

He had given the duty to Buford hereon 

to make a stand. 
And Buford repeated to Devin, a colonel 

in his command, 
That here must be fought the battle, and 

he feared that it would begin 
Ere the infantry could assist him, for the 

scouts were driven in. 

But Devin, who doubted the rebels in 
positive strength were near. 

Said that he would "take care of any 
who might at his front appear." 

' ' You will not ! '■ said Buford, "for ear- 
ly to-morrow they will attack, 

And we shall do well, Tom Devin, if we 
are not soon driven back. 



The First Day. 5 

' ' For the enemy then will come boom- 
ing — his skirmishers three deep." 

So boded the chevalier Buford, and 
turned him to warless sleep ; 

But he spoke to his signal-captain, re- 
minding him of his trust, 

Saying, "Look out to-night for camp- 
fires, and in the morning for dust.' ' 

There was dust enough in the morning, 

and lines of camp-fires that night ; 
And Buford and Devin, a-saddle, were 

early forth for the fight. 
The enemy 's van was at them. And 

where was our army delayed ? 
In a belfry stood gallant Buford, and 

watched for the northern aid. 

The dust of the First Corp 's coming 
was a trailing, glorious cloud. 

The full, red disk on the banners was 
a sun-like symbol and proud. 

The blue-coated succor and rescue 
marched up the Emmitsburg road 

And across the swale where, not know- 
ing, Stevens Run peacefully flowed. 



6 The First Day. 

Welcome, magnificent, thrilling was the 

spectacle to behold, 
As the ranks, at double-quick moving 

throu' the harvest 's swaying gold, 
Swept up Oak Ridge and deployed there, 

on the crest, in battle array, 
Their arms and accouterments gleaming 

in the July light of day. 

When Rowley's brigade reach'd the ridge 

that is west of Willoughby Run, 
In a sheltering wood they halted ; their 

wearisome march was done. 
But in Hagersiown road, which rudely 

of quietude was bereft, 
They, at once, formed line of battle, with 

the Ulster Guard on the left. 

Then the prompt brigade, by the right 

flank, in solid column advanced 
Throu' the wood and the fields beyond 

it, where yellow butterflies danced, 
Toward Gettysburg, to the ridge-slope 

that is east of Willoughby Run. 
Where they formed new line of battle, 

with their backs to the mounting sun. 



The First Day. 7 

But ordered over the ridge-top and into 
the valley below, 

There the rifle missives were pinging, 
and there were who got their woe. 

Beyond, in a grain field, swarmed hor- 
nets, sharp-shooters plying their trade. 

So, back to their place on the ridge- 
slope, discretion sent the brigade. 

They had been to the spot where Rey- 
nolds, their great corps com'ander, fell. 

And Doubleday, of their division, now 
served in his stead right well. 

They had Biddle in place of Rowlev, for 
the hour its needs creates, 

And the Federal left wing, this day, 
fought under our colonel Gates. 

Across from that left, nearly westward, 
stood a dwelling-house of brick 

And farm buildings other, not distant 
from where the foemen were thick. 

From the buildings our captain Bald- 
win, after a spirited fight. 

Drove the enemy, took possession and 
checked and harried their right. 



8 The First Day. 

Then Cunningham daringly followed, to 
give brave Baldwin his aid, 

And, for two hours, they and their sol- 
diers the left flank cover'd and stayed. 

This deed of a handful excited the grow- 
ing enemy 's ire ; 

He partly surrounded the buildings, the 
smaller of which took fire. 

The companies lost their defenses, and 

presently they were seen 
Retreating under the cover of cavalry 

and a ravine. . . . 
The fear that is felt by the soldier ere 

the first few shots are fired, 
By the Ulster Guard was forgotten ; for 

they fought as if inspired. 

The enemy 's musketry rattle and dread 

artillerj' roar 
Made ever a louder minute than the one 

that thundered before, 
As fresh, impetuous foemen arrived on 

the furious field, 
And their batteries quickly unlimber 'd 

and into action wheeled. 



The First Day. 9 

Their division of Rodes arriving on Oak 

Hill 's summit, was seen 
Overlooking the uplands southward and 

the basking meads between. 
On the crest they planted their cannons, 

and with shot and shell they cleft 
The ranks of Federal soldiers, from the 

right to the utmost left. 

As the sickle of pest, for ravage, was this 

reaping enfilade ; 
To retire from its range in order, the 

Federal troops essayed. 
By the left flank. Biddle retreated, the 

Hagerstown road to try. 
Supporting the cannons of Cooper, 

which to Oak Hill made reply. 

The Federal line was bow-shaped, the 
apex on Chambersburg road. 

The left on Hagerstown highway, and, 
where Rock Creek trippingly flowed, 

On the north of Gettysburg rested the 
dexter end of the bow ; 

For the bow was bent backward strong- 
ly, as if to shoot at the foe. 



lo The First Day. 

But where was the arrow, the army, that 

should straightway pierce his heart ? 
The bow was soon palpably broken, or 

broken, at best, in part. 
Too great was the strain for endurance, 

and the strain each moment grew. 
For what could four scant divisions, 

with Lee 's veteran great odds, do ? 

When Ewell's Corps, formerly Jack- 
son 's, had entered the clashing field, 

They meant that the Federal forces 
should presently die, or yield. 

There were thirty and five armed thou- 
sands with this savage, warlike will, 

Slave-holders and proud work-scorners, 
and for being that, fiercer still. 

But, fewer than half their number were 
the blue in battle array 

Round Gettysburg, northward and west- 
ward, on that first, unequal day. 

They were cool, effective fighters, and 
the enemy sadly found 

That the price, was his heart 's red cur- 
rent, for each rival inch of ground. 



The First Day. 1 1 

But the westering sun drooped hapless 

when long, deep, closely formed lines 
Of gray-coated infantry, moving as 

pawns in their player's designs. 
Began the advance ; and behind them 

came strong reserves, and the fight 
Blazed loud ; but the Union's defenders 

broke at the center and right. 

Then Gettysburg groaned and was crowd- 
ed and chok'd with fright that had fled. 

The rebels, hotly pursuing, fed havoc 
on murderous bread. 

The town was streeted with slaughter, 
and even in alley and lane 

Was the thud of the leaden summons 
and the cry of deadly pain. 

But the First Corps had not waver'd, and 
strove to recover the day, 

Tho' a half of the Union forces was scat- 
tered, as leaves, away. 

Yet the left of the line was holden by 
Biddle s superb brgade, 

And Cooper's four, deep-throated war- 
dosfs were loud with their iron aid. 



12 The First Day. 

On the left of these baying creatures, the 
Ulster Guard, true and tried, 

Stood under their fluttering colors — 
their starry, bullet-torn pride. 

They held their strong, morning posi- 
tion, eastward of Willoughby Run, 

On the ridge ; but a darkling onset in 
the distance had begun. 

For a cloud of troops, a division, from 

the tempest 's bounds afar 
In the west and south, hasted forward 

in powerful lines of war. 
Awaiting the grim adventure with 

calmness not void of delight, 
Stood the Ulster Guard in their prowess, 

undauntable in the fight. 

As the enemy came from the cover of 

woods, where he had formed, 
With a torrent of screaming missiles his 

regular ranks were stormed. 
Our infantry fire lightened sharply, our 

guns were cleverly served ; 
But the living took slain men's places. 

and the ranks came on unswerved. 



The First Day. 13 

They came in their might, and outflank- 
ing Gates's intrepid command, 

Fired oblique, destructive vollies, which 
madness might scarcely withstand ; 

But our soldiers knew they were fighting, 
on their own, free, northern ground, 

For their homes, their country, and all 
things that in these birthrights abound. 

And their zeal and enthusiasm were 
their very light and breath ; 

Each soldier did valorous actions and 
smiled on wounds and on death. 

Tho' the dead there fell till the living 
fought from behind them at last. 

To the ground our Guard seemed root- 
ed, for they stood unshaken and fast. 

Above them the smoke of the conflict 
heavily lifted and curled, 

And the hot sun floated behind it like 
some fulvid, phantom world. 

Toward which, foregone souls were as- 
cending, in sacred columns and slow, 

From the pitiless field of slaughter in 
the real world below. 



14 The First Day. 

The mingled thunders of battle shook 

widely the \'alorous ground ; 
Not since the hills were heaved upward, 

had they felt such ponderous sound. 
The sooty air, split with concussions, 

bore bruit of the tight afar, 
And hurried the long, forced marches to 

this suck and whirlpool of war. 

The Ulster Guard, fearless and hardy, 

outflanked by a whole brigade, 
Stayed the whelming Avave of onset and 

retreated no whit dismayed. 
They were last to leave the position and 

as they sowly retired, 
Often loading, halting and turning, they 

on their pursuers fired. 

On his horse Gates shouldered the col- 
ors ( lest, haply, it should be lo.st ) 

Till he knew the chance for its capture 
was safely weathered and crossed ; 

For not for from the Seminary, where a 
stone and rail fence stood, 

He again formed line with Biddle, at 
the edge of a narrow wood. 



The First Day, 15 

Here, with five brave batteries near 
them, and Meredith on their right. 

Assailed by a rebel division, they made 
a desperate fight, 

Till the enemy fled the carnage, and re- 
treated with the sun ; 

But to the dank and ghastly valley haunt- 
ed by Willoughby Run. 

Our forlorn hope saved from destruction 

the greater part of their corps. 
Whose confused retreat they defended, 

and they could not, that day, more. 
For the bulk of the Union army they 

had helped, with courage grand, 
To hold the great, natural bulwarks, 

which back of Gettysburg stand. 

Thus the Ulster Guard nobly combated, 
in open field, eight hours, 

'Gainst double and triple their number, 
secession 's violent powers. 

Then eastward they marched to the bul- 
warks where, on a com'anding height. 

By the verdant graves of the townsfolk, 
they bivouacked for the night. 



i6 The Second Day. 

At midnight the sleeplessly anxious took 

heart and rest at a sound — 
The advent of Meade and his army on 

the rugged, rising ground. 
The orderly footsteps of thousands, the 

iron trample of steeds, 
And the rumble of guns and caissons, 

made music for loyal needs. 



The Second Day. 

On the second day of the battle the Ul. 
ster Guard was arrayed 

With a Pennsylvania regiment — a spe- 
cial demi-brigade. 

Whom colonel Gates took the command 
of — and if one regiment durst, 

The other durst more ; none braver than 
that Hundred and Fiftv-first. 



The Second Day. 17 

Not till afternoon did the rebels begin 
their flanking attack, 

And the demi-brigade went forward 
when Sickles was driven back. 

So they helped to check the invader, 
and when the darkness divine 

Closed the terrible strife, they were post- 
ed centrally in the line. 

In the whistling forefront of battle stood 

firm the demi-brigade, 
And a fence of rails, which was near 

them, they changed to a barricade. 
What the shield was to the crusader, this 

was to them in the fight, 
And behind it they lay on their muskets 

throughout that sullen night. 

O Night ! on the battle-field tarry ; thou 
truce, two armed days between. 

The troops asleep in their blankets, and 
sentinels dimly are seen. 

The hands of Darkness and Silence are 
over the mouths of the guns. 

And, in dreamland, dove-like are hom- 
ing our country 's bivouacked sons. 



1 8 The Third Day. 

Yonder, stretcher-bearers go laden ; here 

runs a trench for the dead ; 
Hark ! moans of wounded and dying, 

and the caw of hunger o'erhead. 
Oh! what shall eventful to-morrow bring 

forth for the soldier brave ? 
Shall he be the hero and idol, or rest in 

a nameless ffrave ? 



The Third Day. 

At noon, on the third day, the prelude 

to Pickett 's wild charge began — 
A dirge, by the guns of rebellion, for the 

Lost Cause and its ban ; 
And the Ulster Guard "s covert station, it 

fatefuUy so befell. 
Was swept by a hideous tempest of shot 

and exploding shell. 



The Third Day. 19 

Unknown in their sharpest warfare was 
the like to these men of ours ; 

Full a hundred bellowing cannons play- 
ed on them for nigh two hours. 

The firing was constant and deaf'ning, 
the ground was harrowed amain ; 

But, by their barricade shielded, a few 
men only were slain. 

When the cannonade had subsided, 
Pickett 's division began 

To deboush from the woods and orchard, 
where their strong right-center ran. 

With shouldered arms, with their battle- 
yell, and at double-quick, they came, 

Devoted, that brave eighteen thousand, 
to death and immortal fame. 

The charge moved apace through the 

open ; the militant ocean of men 
Surged inland in three awful billows. 

submerging meadow and glen. 
The steel was as water that sparkled, the 

standards as flying spume, 
And the roar of guns was the breaking 

on irrevocable doom. 



2 The Third Day. 

When Pickett 's men entered the valley 
in front of the Ulster Guard. 

That Guard opened tire on them brisk- 
ly. Did this their approach retard ? 

Into one their three waves melted as they 
marched by the left oblique ; 

Then they all to the right faced quickly, 
to strike where our line seemed weak. 

Throu' their solid, advancing column, 

great, horrible rents were plowed ; 
Yet the ranks closed up in a moment, 

and came on, fearless and proud. 
But angrily toward them converging, the 

daring demi-brigade 
Moved down like a storm-cloud, and 

met them with a deadly fusilade. 

There rested the left wing of Hancock 

back in the Ulster Guard 's rear. 
Behind the guns on the bluft"-top, and 

the right of Pickett was near. 
What was it that led Gates forward, from 

his barricade and shield. 
To fullill, at the one great moment, this 

gap in the foremost field ? 



The Third Day, 21 

Till beneath the height at our center, 
Pickett had charged with a will ; 

But he paused at a fence, for shelter, 
just at the foot of the hill. 

There, over the fence, was a slashing, a 
grove that lay felled and dense — 

Felled to clear the range for our can- 
nons — and this he made a defense. 

His hardihood showed his purpose in 

striking our right-center line. 
The demi-brigade battled fiercely, set 

teeth to foil his design 
To reach, on the bluff-top, our cannons 

and silence them then and there ; 
But, for guerdon, the enemy 's effort had 

flagrant loss and despair. 

For fate stood over against it, espoused 
to the worthier side. 

Tho' th' oppressor a while may prosper, 
fate ruins him in his pride. 

The Proclamation, bringing vict'ry, had 
bid that the slaves be free, 

And the side of the wronged will tri- 
umph, whatever the odds may be. 



2 2 The Third Day. 

The desperate onset of Pickett was, thus 

far, fruitless and bare, 
As yet, for the battery'd summit, he had 

to do and to dare. 
The Union troops that opposed him, he 

outnumbered as six to one ; 
But the fewer had cooler courage, and 

willed to be not outdone. 

So the strife for the fence and hillside 
was stubborn and most severe ; 

Both sides knew well that the title to the 
guns was the question here. 

At quarter the range of a pistol the ene- 
my swarmed like bees ; 

But he was screened and protected by 
the fence and the fallen trees. 

Then the demi-brigade, throu' the slash- 
ing, charged with a right good will, 

And they sent up a cheer that gladdened 
the cannoneers on the hill. 

In the fierce, hand-to-hand rencounter, 
where the thick in the brunt contend, 

The enemy's guns played among them, 
alike on foe and on friend. 



The Third Day. 23 

But Pickett 's men turned in confusion, 

all hindered of their desire, 
And into them, whipped and retreating. 

Gates volleyed a scathing fire. 
The hundreds of prisoners taken, now 

seemed the best of the gain ; 
But the place of the strife was covered 

with rebel wounded and slain. 

Give pause for a tear for Baldwin and 

weep for them all who died, 
In the three days' fight on the ridges, 

that the Union might abide ; 
For when the gray billow of Pickett fell 

wasted back from its strand, 
(jates found his own loss in the battle 

was more than half his command. 

At Gettysburg this charge ended the Ul- 
ster Guard 's part in the fight. 

The broken Confederate army fled, with 
their wounded, at night. 

On our troops and those rock-rib'd bul- 
warks that seem'd for the hour to wait, 

Dashed in vain the flood of rebellion ; 
for the fiat of God is fate. 



Headquarters Third Division,^ 
First Corps, >■ 

July 4, 1863. j 
General Orders. 

The Major-General commanding the divi- 
sion desires to return his thanks to the Ver- 
mont Brigade, the One Hundred and Fifty-first 
Pennsylvania Volunteers and the Twentieth 
New York State Militia, for their gallant con- 
duct in resisting in the front line the main 
attack of the enemy upon this position, after 
sustaining a terrific fire from serenty-five to a 
hundred pieces of artillery. He congratulates 
them upon contributing so essentially to the 
glorious, and it is to be hoped, final victory 
of yesterday. 

By Command of 
MAJOR-GENERAL DOUBLEDAY. 

Edward C.Baird, Captain and A. A. G. 



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